Pom-Shi

The Pom-Shi is a hybrid mix of the Pomeranian and the Shiba Inu. This interesting hybrid has parent breeds who have some similarities: unknown or mysterious dates of origination but being believed to be several centuries in the past, being dogs with hunting and herding tasks being their forte and currently being very, very popular companion breeds in today's society. In addition to these similarities, they also share a number of temperament qualities and a level of intelligence and confidence that makes the canine behave as though a much larger one. And, with the agility that comes naturally to them, don't be surprised to see your pet occupying unexpected places!

Purpose

Companion, Family Pet, Watchdog

Date of Origin

Unknown

Ancestry

Pomeranian, Shiba Inu

Pom-Shi Health

Average Size

Height: 6-17 inchesWeight: 3-23 lbs

Height: 6-17 inchesWeight: 3-23 lbs

Major Concerns

Patellar Luxation

Hip Dysplasia

Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Minor Concerns

Entropion

Hydrocephalus

Tracheal Collapse

Sick Sinus Syndrome

Occasional Diagnoses

Cataracts

Hypothyroidism

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Occasional Tests

Complete Blood Count

Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)

Blood And Urine Analysis

Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests

Complete Physical Examination

Eye Examinations (both internal as well as external)

X-rays of various parts of the skeletal system

Pom-Shi Breed History

The Pom-Shi hybrid is a mix of the Pomeranian and the Shiba Inu and, being a fairly new hybrid, there is little information available on the hybrid itself. We'll get our history from the parent breeds. The Pomeranian hails from the Prussian region of Pomerania (now Germany and Poland) but the approximate date of origin is unknown. What we do know is that the Pom breed was originally a larger dog, weighing in around 30 pounds, and being used for herding purposes in those earlier periods. The breed did not become well known until 1870 when the Kennel Club (England) recognized it. Later, in 1888, Queen Victoria discovered the breed while visiting in France. She loved it so much that she brought it home and began breeding methods which helped to reduce the size to that of the Poms we see today. She is credited with furthering the breed in England and eventually in the United States where it was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1888. It remains one of the most popular companion breeds for all types of people, both in the United States and abroad. The Shiba Inu is one of only six canine breeds which are known to be native to Japan. This breed is the smallest of the six native Japanese breeds, originally bred to hunt especially in the thick underbrush native to Japan. This breed continues today to be a popular companion dog in both Japan and the United States, and the hunting skills natural to the breed are still being utilized today. The Shiba Inu breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992. The Pom-Shi hybrid itself is recognized by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc. and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Pom-Shi Breed Appearance

The Pom-Shi hybrid is a hybrid mix of the Pomeranian and the Shiba Inu and, as such, can inherit the appearance traits of either or both of the parent breeds. Your furry family member will stand between 6 and 17 inches tall (average 15 inches) at the shoulders, weigh from 3 to 23 pounds (average 15 pounds), depending upon the parent breed having the most influence in the bio mix. She will likely have a soft, thick plush coat that has a rough line of fur along the spine and is colored white and red, patched red, sesame, cream, white, tan and white agouti. Her feet will be small and she will be quite agile, her gait very cat-like and regal in movement with her short fluffy tail curling over her back. Eyes dark and almond in shape, a nose that is black, small narrow muzzle and ears which are erect complete the alert and intelligent expression.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

White

Red

Cream

Black

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Pom-Shi Breed Maintenance

Your Pom-Shi hybrid is a moderate maintenance canine. The shedding of this hybrid is considered low. This will require that she be brushed at least once a week to remove loose hair, mats and debris. The frequency of brushing will be dependent upon the length of the hair which is ultimately determined by the parent having the greatest influence in the bio mix. She will need to have her ears checked weekly and cleaned as needed with a cotton ball and an approved canine ear cleaner. Be sure to check her toenails weekly, too, trimming them as needed unless her exercise activities keep them worn down. Attention to her teeth is needed, just as with other canine breeds, and it is recommended that they be brushed two to three times a week in addition to keep up with regular dental exams and cleaning by your veterinary professional. She falls into the low smell and drooling categories of canine.

Brushes for Pom-Shi

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Pom-Shi Temperament

Your Pom-Shi hybrid is a mix of the Pomeranian and the Shiba Inu and can inherit the temperament qualities of one or both parent breeds. Your Pom-Shi will be playful, energetic, lively, affectionate, sweet and lovers of cuddling. She will be protective of her human family but caution must be exercised with children. She can be nippy and it is highly recommended that she be socialized as early in her life as possible to moderate this trait. She is a barker - this is an important issue if you live in a noise restricted area. She has a yappy type of bark and will willingly bark at strangers or anyone who approaches. She also barks at anything that is unusual. While these are good traits for those interested in the watchdog type of canine family member, it may take some firm positive training to curb this for those who need to respect a noise level limitation. She has moderate energy levels which will need to be managed to keep her healthy, fit and happy. She gets intelligence and independence from both sides of the bio mix and, while this makes her a great family dog, it also can also cause her to be moderately difficult to train. It is best to keep her training periods short and fun as this will reduce the chances of boredom creeping into those training periods. A bored canine is one in which annoying destructive behaviors can develop, something no pet owners wants to deal with.

Pom-Shi Activity Requirements

Your Pom-Shi hybrid has a moderate amount of energy which comes naturally and will need to be managed. She will love those long daily walks, daily romps and playtime in the dog park or in the fenced in back yard as well as those interactive games of fetch, Frisbee and hide and seek with her toys inside or outside the house. Because she is small to medium in size, she can adapt to apartment or condo living, provided her exercise needs are met. She can also live well in family homes with or without a fenced yard, in an urban or rural setting. Moderate climates suite her well.